Fraser sockeye to be labelled sustainable despite falling stocks

Mark Hume
January 20,2010
The Globe and Mail

British Columbia's sockeye fishery – including the troubled Fraser River run which is currently the focus of a judicial inquiry – is about to get international certification as a sustainable fishery.

In a decision posted Wednesday the British-based Marine Stewardship Council states that after extensive review it has determined “that the British Columbia sockeye salmon fishery should be certified in accordance with the MSC standard.”

The decision, however, is classified as a “determination”, and final certification won't be granted until after a 15-day period, during which objections can be registered with the MSC's office in London.

The MSC states that any objections should be sent by email (to: objections@msc.org).

And judging by early responses, the MSC will likely be getting some objections.

In an advisory issued shortly after the MSC determination was posted on the web, four B.C. organizations announced they “are objecting strongly to the announcement today of eco-certification of BC's sockeye fisheries.”

Read the full story in The Globe and Mail

Read related stories:

The Vancouver Sun; March 2, 2010, "Non-sustainable fish pulled from Loblaw's shelves"

Prince Rupert Daily News; March 3, 2010; "Fishing for a sustainable solution in B.C."

Fish Information Service; February 11, 2010; "Marine Stewardship Council Loses Its Luster" 

 The Tyee; January 21, 2010; "Sockeye Eco-Certification Kicks up Storm" 

Read background stories on the collapse of the Fraser River sockeye